Succulent Pork Tacos with Fresh Salsa and Lime Crema

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork shoulder or pork butt
  • 1 orange, juiced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the pork in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  4. Once the pork is cooked, preheat the broiler. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pork from the pot and place it on a large baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Broil the shredded pork for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to crisp up on the edges.
  6. While the pork is broiling, warm the tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
  7. To assemble the tacos, place some shredded pork on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled queso fresco, and sliced avocados. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of protein such as chicken or beef instead of pork.
  • Add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
  • Experiment with different seasoning blends like smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or Mexican seasoning.
  • Try grilling the meat instead of simmering and broiling it.
  • Replace the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture.
  • Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the tacos for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Top the tacos with a homemade salsa or pico de gallo.
  • Include a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema on each taco.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the pork with grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms.

Recipe overview

Tantalize your taste buds with this scrumptious Pork Tacos recipe. This traditional Mexican dish features tender, slow-cooked pork that's flavored with a unique blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, and oregano. After simmering to perfection, the pork is broiled until crispy and then served up on warm corn tortillas. Each taco is garnished with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled queso fresco, and creamy avocado slices for a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the top for a tangy finishing touch. This recipe is straightforward and requires simple ingredients, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Get ready to impress your guests with the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine. This recipe serves 4. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
    Yes, you can use pork shoulder or pork butt for this recipe. Both cuts are ideal for slow cooking and will result in tender and flavorful shredded pork.
  2. Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?
    While fresh orange and lime juice provide the best flavor, you can use bottled citrus juice as a substitute if needed.
  3. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to suit your preference. Add more for a spicier taste or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to step 2, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender.
  5. What can I serve with these tacos?
    These pork tacos pair well with various toppings and sides such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo. You can also serve them with Mexican rice or refried beans as side dishes.
  6. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the shredded pork in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the pork in a skillet or microwave. Warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos with your desired toppings.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - for chopping onions, cilantro, and slicing avocados.
  • Chef's knife - to cut the pork into smaller pieces and for general chopping and slicing.
  • Large pot or Dutch oven - for cooking the pork and other ingredients.
  • Slotted spoon - to remove the cooked pork from the pot.
  • Baking sheet - for broiling the shredded pork.
  • Skillet - to warm up the tortillas.
  • Two forks - for shredding the cooked pork.
  • Serving platter - to display and serve the assembled tacos.
  • Small bowls - for holding the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled queso fresco, and lime wedges.

Origin stories

The humble taco, despite its global popularity, has a mysterious history. Various theories abound, but one compelling narrative is that the taco was a product of Mexican silver mines in the 18th century. “Taco” was the name given to the little explosives workers used to extract the ore. These were pieces of paper wrapped around gunpowder and inserted into holes carved in the rock. When you think about it, a chicken or pork-filled taco is not too different! The notion of using tortillas as a sort of edible spoon was also a key culinary innovation that has been traced back to the indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico. Now that's a fascinating journey from mines to the dining table!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.

Get popular new recipes in your Inbox once a week.